What happened
On 31 May 2010, a Savannah VG Jabiru microlight, registration G-CFSX, was conducting a private flight at a private airstrip in Idsworth, Hampshire. During the landing sequence, the pilot attempted an initial landing that was performed at an excessive speed. This resulted in the aircraft floating too far down Runway 36, which features a 1% downslope.
In an effort to abort the landing, the pilot pulled back on the control column and increased engine power. However, this maneuver caused the aircraft to stall immediately after clearing the perimeter fence. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground heavily on its nose gear. The impact caused the nosewheel spindle to break and resulted in damage to the propeller, the cockpit area, and much of the airframe structure.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the flight sequence and the aircraft's performance during the aborted landing. The crew, consisting of the pilot and one passenger, were both wearing full safety harnesses and sustained no injuries during the event.
Findings
- The initial landing attempt was conducted at a speed higher than recommended.
- The aircraft's momentum on the downslope caused it to float too far down the runway.
- The aircraft stalled immediately following the pilot's attempt to abort the landing via a back-pressure and power application.
- Wind conditions at the time were reported as a 360-degree rotation between 2 and 3 knots.